Alliant Energy wants to build new plant in Beloit

BELOIT – Madison-based Alliant Energy Corp. says it will ask the state for permission to build a large natural-gas fired plant near Beloit.

Alliant says the plant is necessary to replace its less-efficient coal and natural-gas plants around the state. The company estimates the plant would cost between $725 million and $775 million and would generate power for more than 500,000 homes.

The company plans to submit a formal application to the state early next year, and wants to have the plant running in 2019.

Alliant is the parent company of Wisconsin Power and Light Co. It’s not clear how much customers’ bills would increase.

Kira Loehr is executive director of the Citizens’ Utility Board. She says Wisconsin shouldn’t commit to new plants without examining alternatives.